When the
state of New Jersey mandated requirements governing domestic violence,
laws concerning these issues became very complex. In order to obtain
complete, uniform and accurate handling of domestic violence cases, the
Elizabeth Domestic Violence Unit was established.

The three
detectives assigned to the unit handle all follow-up investigations of
domestic violence crimes. Personal contact is made with all victims of
said crimes in order to educate them of their rights under domestic
violence laws, as well as the rights of the abusers.

The unit
greatly reduces the possibility of cases "falling through the cracks," and
the police department being held accountable.

The Domestic
Violence Unit has an approximate annual budget of $167,000 in city funding
which supports the work of the three unit detectives.